UIS UF Hold a “Work-In” Outside Chancellor’s Office to Protest the Lack of Movement on Contract

The slow pace of contract bargaining leads to faculty frustration at the University of Illinois Springfield. The faculty union and federal mediators have been negotiating with university officials since August of 2016. Today, from 10-4 pm, some members of the faculty bargaining unit express their frustration by taking part in a “work-in” outside the Chancellor’s office on the 5th of floor of the Public Affairs Building on campus.

Some of the points of contention concerning the contract are the reappointment and promotion policies. Kristi Barnwell, Associate Professor of History and Vice President of UIS UF said, “The Chancellor has told us again and again that she wants to see this contract settled, and that she believes our personnel policy works. If that’s the case, why won’t her negotiating team sign off on our proposals?”

Jay Gilliam, Associate Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice and Secretary of UIS UF said, “Our personnel process has been the only thing protecting vulnerable untenured faculty members from vengeful and manipulative administrators.” Gilliam continues, “Faculty morale is at an all-time low and this directly impacts campus climate and the classroom experience. A fairly negotiated contact where administration finally demonstrates its appreciation of the faculty will automatically improve morale and thus positively impact the student experience.”

UIS United Faculty is a chapter of University Professionals of Illinois Local 4100, which represents faculty, staff and graduate students at seven of the 12 public universities in Illinois. UIS UF represents 168 tenured and tenure-track faculty.